take only what you need

He never applied for artist fellowships or grants. His day job provided money enough, so why compete with those who needed the extra income.

all special poets

After its chapbook competition, the press announced the winner. And in the same announcement, it listed a small group of runners-up. [Fine.] Then the press listed a larger group of finalists. Then it listed a similar group of semifinalists! [Wow.] Then the press went on to thank all the other poets who had submitted their chapbooks (and paid their fee) but didn't get mentioned in the long list of poets who were runners-up, finalists, and even semifinalists.

no contest

Don’t tell me about your petty prizes. I want to read your incontestable poem.

second to last

He sent his manuscript with twenty bucks only to find out he was runner-up for The Last Unpublished Poet on Earth Prize.

border war

Two writers fighting for the limelight of who is most liminal.